PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT OF CONCRETE USING SAP-MK HYBRID SYSTEM: STRENGTH, DURABILITY, AND SELF-HEALING MECHANISMS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55766/sujst11524Keywords:
Durability Enhancement, High-Performance Concrete, Metakaolin (MK), Microstructural Characterization, Self-Healing Concrete, Superabsorbent Polymers (SAP)Abstract
This study presents a performance-driven approach to enhancing the mechanical, durability, and self-healing characteristics of M40-grade concrete through the combined use of metakaolin (MK) and superabsorbent polymers (SAP). The experimental program involved twenty concrete mixes comprising control, MK- and SAP-modified, and hybrid systems evaluated for strength, transport properties, and autogenous crack-healing over 7, 28, and 56 days, with supporting microstructural analysis via SEM-EDS. Results demonstrate that MK enhances strength and matrix densification through pozzolanic reactivity, while SAP promotes sustained hydration and autonomous crack closure. The hybrid SAP-MK systems exhibited the most significant improvements across all performance metrics, with microstructural evidence confirming pore refinement and formation of secondary hydration products. The novelty of this work lies in the synergistic integration of MK and SAP into a unified mix design that addresses multiple performance limitations of conventional concrete simultaneously. This research offers a sustainable, field-applicable solution for developing durable, self-healing concrete suited to aggressive service environments, with clear implications for extending infrastructure lifespan and reducing long-term maintenance demands.
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